The Tribune

FIRST Bahamian double pro card recipient Jayson ‘Jay Shred’ Johnson added another feather to his cap when he competed in the IFBB Elite Pro World Championships at the 2023 Arnold Classic Europe & Fitness Sports Games.

The championships, held from October 11-13, was a part of the multi-sport event with the presence of more than 50 sports in Madrid, Spain, which hosted the first five editions in Europe from 2011-2016.

The Arnold Classic, created in 1989 by Arnold Schwarzenegger and James J. Lorimer in the United States, moved to Europe in 2009 with its first edition held in Madrid before the baton was passed to Barcelona in 2016 where it remained until 2020. In 2021 and 2022, it was held in Seville before returning to Madrid.

Johnson, the only Bahamian to compete in the classic, participated in the men’s pro physique category where he ended up in the top 10 out of 25 competitors.

Only the top five competitors were recognised for their accomplishments.

Competing on his third pro show for the year, Johnson said he was thrilled to have been on stage at one of the most prestigious bodybuilding and fitness competition in the world.

And even though he didn’t get a medal, he said the experience gained was more valuable.

“It gave me a good opportunity to see where I stand against some of the top athletes around the world,” Johnson said. “I’m just really getting into the sport, so it was a good experience for me to see exactly where I’m at.

“I think this will really help me because when I go back next year, I hope to compete even better. But all in all, it was a good experience and a good test for me, competing for the first time at the Arnold Classic.”

Two years after he started competing in thew sport in 2019, Johnson became the first Bahamian to earn two pro cards in two different organizations in 2021. He got first one at the World Beauty and Fitness Fashion (WBFF) show at the International Pro Show in May (2021) at the Atlantis Resort on Paradise Island before he went to Miami, Florida and picked up his International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB)) card in August (2021).

The 31-year-old fitness instructor said based on his performance and from the critique from the judges he needs to work on developing his calves and improve on his hand movement during the competition.

“I felt really good,” he said of his level of competition. “I felt I was in my element competing against the best in the world and trying to put the Bahamas on the map in the championship. So it was a good experience.”

As a relatively newcomer to the pro ranks, competing against competitors who have years of experience under their belt, Johnson said he feels he’s “gifted” enough to match his talent against therm.

“I know that I will only get bigger and better knowing that I am giving these guys a run for their money,” he proclaimed. “I just want to continue what I love doing and that is bodybuilding.

“I just want to continue to learn and grow as I bring a different package to each show, I compete in. I do have one more show before the year is over, so I am working on getting ready for that. Hopefully what I learn from the Arnold Classic will help me to get better as I go.”

Although he’s been self-trained, Johnson said he appreciate the words of encourage he continue to receive from Bahamas Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation president Joel Stubbs.

Additionally, Johnson thanked Stubbs for naming him as the assistant coach for the Bahamas national team that competed in the Central American and Caribbean Bodybuilding and Fitness Championships in August.

During the championships, Johnson also represented the Bahamas in the fitness challenge where he placed fourth. It was the only event he could compete in as a pro.

Back home since his trip to Europe, Johnson is encouraging more persons to get involved in the sport and for those interested they can contact ‘Jay Shred’ at 432-5165 for more information.